What the media isn't telling you about ransomware

We’ve all seen the news… cyber-attacks in over 100 countries, big brands being taken down by ransomware, even our own NHS crippled by encryption.

But what the media is failing to report is how simple it is to keep yourself safe from ransomware – and what to look out for to stop your business from falling foul.

Anti-virus does not stop all ransomware

Ransomware is nothing new, but it is increasing in popularity and at a rapid pace so it often comes as a shock when we tell them that their anti-virus offers them no protection whatsoever from ransomware and that we offer specialist software that stops ransomware dead in its tracks for about the same price as anti-virus software.

What is ransomware?

It’s easy to think that you’d never fall for a cyber scam, but it’s easily done.

These emails are not from that infamous Nigerian Prince offering you fortunes in exchange for your bank details, they are much more sophisticated. They appear to come from some of our most trusted organisations – HMRC, banks, DHL or Amazon, for example- and it can be hard to spot the difference.

Most ransomware is delivered in the form of an innocent-looking link or an attachment in an email. Once you click on that link or open that attachment, the ransomware starts to encrypt your files and spread across servers. It then locks down computers and holds them to ransom.

The emails could appear to be from Fed Ex, inviting you to track your recent order by clicking on a link or PayPal, attaching a receipt for your recent purchase. They get very creative.

Top tips for preventing ransomware attacks

1. If you are not expecting the email, no matter who it is from, do not open any links or attachments. Delete it.
2. Ransomware can be spread from links on social media and fake websites so be wary of what you are about to click on outside of your emails too.
3. Look at the website and email address. Is it the correct one for the organisation? It is secure?
4. If you do suspect that you’ve opened something, IMMEDIATELY unplug your PC, pull out all leads and get it off the network as quickly as possible. PCs will often slow as encryption starts so watch out for that.

Of course, all of this can be prevented by installing the right software to protect your PC against ransomware. It ensures you never lose any data or downtime.

Call us today for advice and to get protected.